As promised:Without further ado, here’s the finished coat; I was planning to take better pictures of me with the coat on, outside and with natural light but my family came to visit and all my plans changed, so you these are what I have for now (I’ll post better pictures as soon as I can). Photographing black velvet is very hard and the flashlight really changes the coat’s appearance; it looks like it has more reflexes; the coat is much more beautiful in real life and I feel really great wearing it!

Collar and lapels:Satin tape embellishment hand sewn around the waist:The in-seam pockets:You know how much I fancy a beautiful lining; a classy detail is the hidden lipstick pocket on the left front of the coat:The hanger loop is made of a silver chain (this chain was a gift from Laura Popa, so there’s something of her in this coat too!); also note the embroidery on the CB lining fold; the lining fold extends to the waist and then it turns into a CB seam:The facing/hem/lining junction was entirely hand sewn; the lining was also applied by hand to the coat:The lining hem and the french tacks that join the lining to the coat’s hem on every vertical seam; the tacks are made using buttonhole twist, the same method used on the Armani coat:

Conclusion and acknowledgments:

Even with these poor pictures the quality of this coat shows through; it’s a beautiful coat, one of my best creations so far. I used the vintage tailoring methods except for the underlining (thin knit fusible provided by Paco was used to underline the coat); the vintage way would have me underline the coat with thin sew-on interfacing like cotton batiste or silk organza. This is considered to be an overall coat, hence it incorporates some wearing ease (enough for wearing a jacket underneath, I mean); in spite of this the waist has shaping in it.This was a great challenge, my first attempt on the traditional tailoring methods (for women’s wear, because men’s tailoring is performed a little differently) and I am very pleased with the outcome. It was a long and labor intensive adventure but it was worth it!This coat has much of my friends in it: Paco was exceptional on the writing of a very thorough tutorial and he supported me from the beginning of this project, providing the best tailoring materials (canvas hymo, interfacings, shoulder pads, etc.) and his precious advice along the way. I also owe Summerset the acquisition of a velvet pressing board, unavailable here in Portugal as far as I know, and I really appreciated all the knowledge that Els shared with me on the subject of tailoring. Finally I want to thank Marji for making The Great Coat Sew Along happen and for sharing her knowledge, providing a way for people from all around the world to meet and share a great sewing experience!

And now my dear friends, I really need a vacation! I will be absent from the internet for some time (from Monday on) and I wish you all Happy Sewing until my return! Many hugs to all!

Tany I knew it would be absolutely beautiful but it is more. You have done exceptional work...."everything" about this coat is haute couture perfection! Congratulations! I hope you have a relaxing vacation.

Tany - if you must leave us for a short period of time at least you left with a bang! That coat is soooo beautiful that there aren't words to adequately describe it's beauty! And as always I learned something new from you...I've used regular thread to make the tacks now I know to buy some buttonhole twist.

This is the most gorgeous coat I've ever seen. This will a be a traffic stopper when you'll wear it. I love everything about it. The choice of fabric, colors, the tailoring. Amazing work Tany, and fabulous coat.

First of all - enjoy your holiday. After this mammoth task you certainly deserve it (I know that from experience having sewn a black velvet coat myself). The coat is absolutely gorgeous - what a treat!

Tany your new coat is superb, a real masterpiece. You showed that sewing velvet, which is one of the most difficult fabrics, could be done if you have the persistence and take the time to investigate and combine old and new sewing techniques.Enjoy your vacation.